Our History 198 Years!

by Ruth D. Mowat

It is a legacy that only improves as the years pass.  “The Williamstown Fair” began as a street gathering for barter and banter amongst the locals.  It continued to grow into an event where over the three days thousands of people from both town and country would gather to exhibit their wares, compete in the many fun events and take part in the more serious judging from which the winners go on to Provincial and sometimes International competitions.

I am honoured to have been asked to compose a brief history of the Fair, accenting highlights from over the years.

In 1784, United Empire loyalists under the leadership of Sir John Johnson came to Charlottenburgh and were given plots of land commencing at the St Lawrence River and extending to the north.  The settlers cleared the land and laboriously carved out a living for their families.  Churches and schools were built and tradesmen produced their wares.  Many social habits were cultivated through helping others in the form of ‘Bees’.  Barns were raised, homes built, fences erected, crops harvested and precious materials were made into quilts in this manner.

Being a gregarious group, the settlers gathered in the newly formed village to hold a ‘fair’.  They sold and bartered their wares – and gossiped, no doubt – and then finished their day with games from ‘the old sod’ and danced to the sound of bagpipes.

In 1808 by Proclamation, Francis Gore, Lieutenant-Governor, gave to the township of Charlottenburgh the right to hold a fair subject to the conditions and limitations in the Letters Patent for holding such an event.  Duly sanctioned, the Fair was held in the streets of the village until 1811 when it moved to its present location on land donated by Sir John Johnson.

History Highlights

by Beverley Runions

1854      The officers of the Glengarry Agricultural Society were President:  Colonel Cattanach, 1 st Vice-President: Colonel Duncan McDonell, 2nd Vice-President: D. A. MacPherson, Esq., Treasurer: Alexander McDonell, Esq., Secretary:  Colonel Chisholm.

1855      The Membership fee was 5 shillings.

1875      An Annual report showed a profit of $99.32.

1878      The Financial Statement for the Glengarry Exhibition showed a revenue of $1,130.00.

1892      The Program included Caledonian Games and  Lacrosse match and Pipe & Band Competition.  Classes included: Throwing 56 lb weight, and throwing 12 lb hammer. There was a Scotch reel for gentlemen over 50 years of age, a swimming match starting at bridge and a Running Horse Race with a purse of $15.00

1899      Gate receipts amounted to about $380.00

1904      Township Agricultural Society was organized combining the Charlottenburgh and Lancaster Agricultural Society in a fair at Williamstown.

1907      The name of the new Society became St Lawrence Valley Agricultural Society, and it remains as such today. A new show hall was constructed at a cost of $650.00. 

1908      The SLVAS supported legislation to bring forth more money in Government Grants.  The Fair sponsored a marathon race featuring the famous Canadian long distance runner, Tom Longboat.

1912      Johnson Raymond of Williamstown was given the contract to ready the grounds at a cost of $47.50.

1913      Horse Barn was built costing $100.00.

1914      Because of the war, judges were not sent from the Department of Agriculture and the Government Grant was reduced by half.  “No cars allowed on the race track”.  Considering the date, parking was a problem even then.  The fair was held on Tuesday and Wednesday because the CNR line could bring folks from Cornwall and Alexandria on that day and return them at night.

1915      The first covered skating rink in Williamstown was operated on the grounds in the old show hall. The cattle barns cost $475.00

1916      The Society offered the Government the use of the grounds and hall for the training of the troops.

1921      Gate prices were raised to $.35 for adults.

1924      A gentleman was paid $.25 per hour to arrange and repair the cattle and horse rings.

1925      Admission was raised to $.50.

1927      The Women’s Institute of Williamstown revamped the ladies prize list.  Attendance was reported at 2000.

1928      The Board numbered all tickets and drew for a trip to Toronto to the Royal Winter fair.

1930      The first meals in the dining hall were served.

1933      The McArthur trophy was presented for the best Women’s Institute Display.  Men were still in charge of the Ladies’ Division.

1935      Ladies were finally accepted on the Board. They were given charge of the Ladies Fancy Work and Cooking Classes.  A new roof and floor was put in the exhibition hall at a cost of $325.00.

1937      A loudspeaker system, and a Hydro contract for lights in the Hall was procured.

1942      Cattle shows were set up in affiliation with the County Ayrshire and Holstein Clubs.

1945      Prime Minister Wm. Lyon MacKenzie King was the guest speaker at the Opening Ceremonies.

1946      The Department of Agriculture constructed a base and flagpole on the grounds in honour of over 100 years of the Williamstown Fair.  Attendance was reported as 6000.

1953      A midway was installed as a feature attraction.

1954      The office was wired for lights.  The Cheese Show was added as a Commercial feature.

1956      The midway failed to show up!

1958      A poultry and hay barn was erected and the old grandstand was dismantled.

1960      Plans were made to build a new dining facility.

1961      A Jersey Class was added to the Prize List.  Honey was a new Commercial feature. Gates were put on the entrance to the grounds.

1962      150th Anniversary. A well was drilled on the grounds.

1963      The membership fee was increased to $2.00.  A new septic tank and tile bed was installed.

1964      The Historical Sites Board unveiled a plaque commemorating “Ontario’s Oldest Fair”.

1965      Bleachers and a new poultry display area were constructed.  The new Maple Leaf flag was raised on Fair Day.  Doctor Charlotte Whitton, Mayor of Ottawa performed the opening ceremonies.

1966      Miss Dominion of Canada officiated.  New washrooms were completed.

1967      “Centennial Year” – ladies appeared in costume.

1969      New well was drilled, horse and cattle rings were improved and a new display area for flowers and vegetables was made.

1970      Part of the grounds were tile drained.

1972      First female secretary/treasurer Ruth D. Mowat took over from Robert McDonell.  Four cattle barns each 96’ X 16’ were erected.

1973      The English and Harness Division Horse show became a recognized show. A Pure Maple Products Class was added to the Prize List.

1974      Gate Admission was raised to $2.00 for adults and children under 12 were free.

1975      Installed 6,000 feet of plastic tile drain.

1978      Great Raisin River Footrace began.

1984      Williamstown Bi-Centennial.  All fair ribbons sported Canoe Logo.

1987      Meeting Place (licensed establishment) was opened with proceeds going to a special building fund.

1990      New Constitution was prepared.

1994      Hosted the “Great Canadian Sign Affair Convention”.  Many new signs were donated to the fair grounds.  Admission decreased to $5.00.

1995      Interior of Exhibit Hall was painted.

1996      Agricultural Awareness Octagonal Building was erected and named the Sir John Johnson Building.  The Ladies’ Division became known as the Home & Garden Division.  Federal Agriculture Minister, Ralph Goodale opened the fair.

1997      Beach Volleyball new attraction.  OPP Shave-Off for Cancer began. Heat & humidity were unbearable.

1998      Industry Minister John Manley opened the fair. Ice Storm of ’98 remembered. First Ecumenical service was held.

1999      Lori Dupuis, 1998 Nagano Silver Medallist opened the fair. Cheryl Wightman becomes the first female president of the Society.

2000      July 1st Old Fashioned Barn Raising of 50' X 100' post & beam barn to be meeting place/dining hall.  New garden displays by local horticultural groups.

2001      Society inducted into Glengarry Agriculture Hall of Fame. Designated “Canada’s Oldest Annual Fair”. CJOH News Director Max Keeping opened the fair.

2002      “Richard Codrington, British Deputy High Commisioner opened the fair.  Canada Post issued a Cancellation stamp in honour of “Canada’s Oldest Annual Fair”.  A Queen’s Jubilee Award was presented to Clarence Robertson on behalf of the Fair.

2003      Max Keeping, CJOH News Director, opened the fair. New well drilled. 100th anniversary celebrations—Kraft.

2004      Complete upgrade of ladies’ washroom. Website created. Gate admission increased to $7.00. New, revised constitution.

2005      Loyalist weekend—Hosted Military ball. Complete upgrade men’s washroom. New Firemen’s booth. Year of the Veteran opening ceremonies. New horse ring. Pine stage tented.

2006      New Minor Hockey Booth, Western judges booth and major electrical upgrade.

2007      Hosted R.C.M.P. Musical Ride.  Complete update and 100^th anniversary of Exhibit Hall.  Major electrical upgrade.

2008      Tom Longboat 100^th Anniversary run.  New showcase for Maple Division.  New office / annex attached to 101 year old Exhibit Hall.  Stone gates refurbished.  New stone flowerbed – gully.  SEVEC students.

2009      Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $60,000 to upgrade Centre Stage.  Honoured “Big Rory McLennan” – Glengarry sports hero.  South parking lot  surveyed.  Stone Gates – landscaped by Kirsty MacLeod & Williamstown Green Thumbs.  Williamstown Fair Board awarded an “Excellence in Agriculture Award” by the Township of South Glengarry.